The Golden State Warriors drew first blood in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing a hard-fought 99-88 victory on the Timberwolves’ home court in Game 1. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to their superstar guard, Stephen Curry.
Curry went down with a left hamstring strain early in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Before his exit, Curry had scored 13 points in 13 minutes, looking sharp and setting the tone for the Warriors’ offense. The incident occurred after he hit a floater, following which he was seen grabbing at the back of his left leg. He immediately signaled to the bench and headed to the locker room.
Despite losing their “best player”, the Warriors rallied and displayed their championship pedigree. After a close game in the 1st quarter, they managed build a 13 points lead to end the first half. Thanks to the hot shooting of Draymond Green, Buddy Hield and hustle plays of Jimmy Butler, the Warriors are able to create a 20-point separation to end the 3rd qtr.
Draymond Green had a strong all-around game with 18 points (including four three-pointers), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Buddy Hield led the Warriors in scoring with 24 points and also pulled down 8 rebounds. Jimmy Butler was close to a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr provided an update after the game, stating that Curry is considered day-to-day with the hamstring strain and will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury. However, Kerr also indicated that the team is “definitely game-planning for him to not be available on Thursday” for Game 2, acknowledging that it’s “hard to imagine that he would play Thursday” with a hamstring issue.
The Warriors’ ability to secure this road win despite Curry’s injury provides them with a significant advantage as the series progresses. It buys them some time and reduces the pressure to rush Curry back onto the court before he is fully healthy. However, the extent of Curry’s injury and the potential duration of his absence will be a major topic as the Western Conference semifinals continue.
For the Timberwolves, dropping Game 1 at home while the Warriors missing the services of Curry is a missed opportunity. It will be a hard Game 2, even though there’s a chance that Curry will be sidelined for a game or two.
Timberwolves will need to make significant adjustments and find ways to generate more consistent offense, especially after a slow start where they missed all 15 of their first-half three-point attempts. Anthony Edwards, though late in the game, eventually found his rhythm in the second half, finishing with 23 points, but the team’s shooting slumped cost them the game.
Naz Reid had 19 points and Julius Randle added 16 points for the Wolves, who finished 5 for 29 from behind the arc and trailed by 23 points late in the third. While Rudy Gobert, the hero of Game 4 against the Lakers, just scored 9 points and 11 rebounds.
Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Minnesota, and all eyes will be on the Warriors as fans awaits the update regarding Stephen Curry’s status and how both teams adapt their strategies accordingly.
